Early Childhood Education

Degree information

The Early Childhood Education program prepares students educationally to immediately become assistant teachers, teachers, or site directors in early childhood settings such as early learning (child care) centers and preschool programs (Professional Track). It also prepares students to transfer to bachelor degree programs in early childhood education, child development, or elementary education (Transfer Track).

The curriculum balances general education courses with courses specifically designed to develop an understanding of the learning needs of young children. Many opportunities for “hands-on” experiences with children give students a firm foundation for immediately entering the workforce or continuing their formal education.

Objectives

After completing the Associate in Science of Early Childhood Education degree at Lackawanna College, students will be able to:

Explain the history, foundational theory, governance, and persistent issues in education, as well as the responsibilities and behaviors of a well-organized and responsible educator

Define, analyze, differentiate, and create effective assessments that align with objectives appropriate for children from Birth to Grade Four, considering student strengths and weaknesses

Self-assess and reflect on teaching effectiveness in light of student’s learning styles, development, and ability levels and use that reflection to contribute to current debates in early learning curricular and assessment reform

Identify and apply knowledge of all developmental domains as well as the implications of that development for effective teaching and learning

Demonstrate application of models, theories, and laws of inclusive education in curriculum and lesson planning and identify and demonstrate application of assistive technology and other strategies to implement IFSP goals

Explain and demonstrate how educational theory informs best practice through the creation and application of developmentally appropriate, standards-based learning environments and materials

Differentiate, discuss, and create classroom management plans with consideration of teacher behavior in time management and organization in space, methods, and materials adaptations; and expectations for student behavior with age-appropriate, educationally-focused accountability

Describe and evaluate the process and progress of children’s literacy acquisition, including the role of literature in cross-curricular activities

Establish and implement respectful, collaborative relationships among family, school, peers, community, and media, while identifying laws that govern the release if student information

Carry out play-based lessons and assessments

Demonstrate knowledge, skills, ethics, and experience sufficient to be “work ready” as well as “transfer ready”

Participate in level I and II field observation to analyze and apply program level objectives

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Lackawanna College

Lackawanna College is an accredited, private, non-profit educational institution providing opportunities for career and personal development within selected associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs.